The Untold Story of Malana Village
The Valley of Gods, Kullu, which is one of the most popular tourist destinations in Devbhoomi, houses many beautiful valleys. Among these, Parvati Valley, well-known for its sacred Hindu temples, pilgrimage hot springs, stunning waterfalls, and trekking trails, also houses the Malana Village oldest democracy in the world. Even the other attractions like Kasol have modernized with tourism growth; this peaceful village is still painted with its authentic charm.
Located on a narrow plateau at a great height of 8,700 feet in the Parvati Valley, this small village is known for its isolation and seclusion. Due to its high-altitude location, the Malana village weather features cool nights and mild days. Let’s explore the untold story of this unique and isolated village through this blog, featuring its origin tale, its rules, and much more.
Malanis as Descendants of Alexander the Great’s Army
The most popular legend associated with Malana Village History is that Malanis are considered the descendants of Alexander the Great’s army. It is believed that the soldiers of the great Macedonian king took refuge in this village in 326 BC after a battle with Porus. The soldiers then got married to local women and permanently settled in this remote village.
Any strong scientific evidence to support this legend about the Malana village history has not been found yet. However, the Malanis speak Kanashi, which is their distinctive feature and support to this legend. Additionally, the artifacts from the period when Alexander’s soldiers took refuge in this remote village have been found, including a sword, which is currently placed in the village’s temple.
Jamlu Devta: The Divine Protector of Malana Village India
The residents of Malana village oldest democracy in the world, worship Jamlu Devta as their guardian deity. The villagers’ faith in Rishi Jamadagni is the foundation of the village’s social structure, and the deity’s temple is a spiritual and social center for the villagers. This temple is one of the oldest temples in the region, entirely made of wood, and features intricate carvings and designs.
Jamlu Devta is one of the Sapt Rishis, whose description is given in Hindu manuscripts and mythological books. The Devta’s temple still served as a court for resolving disputes in the village, and Jamlu Devta’s verdict was accepted as the final decision by the Malanis. It is believed that Lord Shiva, after being impressed by Rishi Jamdagni’s intense prayers has gifted this village, as he has asked for a secluded place as a boon from the Mahadeva. The Rishi upon reaching freed the residents of the village from the terror of Banasura and became the guardian deity of the Malana Village India.
Malana Village India: Unique Legal Structure
Malana village oldest democracy in the world, features a unique legal structure, as not the state’s government but the village’s guardian deity controls the village’s administration. The village administration is controlled by an 11-member council and each member is believed to be a delegate of the Jamlu Devta. In any village dispute, the decision by the guardian deity is final, and outside authority is not required for that.
Some other villagers are elected by this 11-member council, that are called Bhandaris. These selected villagers are responsible for collecting tax, depositing revenue, collecting and depositing offerings made by visitors, organizing processions and festivals associated with Jamlu Devta, etc. The administration features two houses, an Upper House (Jaistang) and a Lower House (Kanishtang). Most of the time, the two houses of the Malana Village India administration resolve disputes. However, if no resolution is presented by the two houses, the case is taken to the guardian deity.
Malana Village India: Rules & Social Customs
Malanis follow certain rules that are associated with their religion, customs, and guardian deity. The villagers follow these social customs and rules strictly to preserve Malana’s purity and sanctity. Some of the unique rules of the Malana Village India are:
- Visitors or outsiders are not allowed to touch the property in the village, including homes and temples, and this rule is displayed through boards there. If the villagers are touched by outsiders, they immediately take a bath, and hefty fines are imposed on visitors.
- Additionally, visitors are not allowed to touch and not even photograph villagers without their permission. If they do so, they are required to pay a fine of 2,500 to 3,500 INR. The villagers believe that contact with any outsider will lead to spiritual contamination, which will displease their deity. The fines are taken by the villagers to carry out the spiritual cleansing process.
Malana Cream & Its Impact
Malana Village India is widely popular for Malana Cream, which is a compressed product made from cannabis plants. It is considered highly pure hash and can be consumed on its own or with tobacco. The village is considered a heaven among smokers and hashish lovers. It has been found through stats that most of the tourists visit here because of this; however, many visit this isolated village for religious and spiritual purposes.
Conclusion
This self-governed and oldest democracy is a must-visit place in the Parvati Valley if you wish to experience something unique that you might never have experienced before in Himachal. Malana Village Road was rugged before, but today, through the government’s efforts, the condition of the roads has become good. The fastest route to this isolated village is to catch a taxi or bus from Bhuntar and Jari. This small magical village can make your trip to Himachal unforgettable; you just need to follow the village’s customs and rules.